US 12,233,447 B2
Hybrid fixture assemblies with additive manufactured features integrated with machined metal features
Andrew Thomas Cunningham, Royal Oak, MI (US); Ali Shabbir, Sterling Heights, MI (US); Hassan Ajami, Chandler, AZ (US); and Ibrahim El Khatib, Chandler, AZ (US)
Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Oct. 20, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/969,808.
Prior Publication US 2024/0131570 A1, Apr. 25, 2024
Prior Publication US 2024/0226986 A9, Jul. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. B23P 19/04 (2006.01); B21D 37/04 (2006.01); B21D 37/14 (2006.01); B25B 11/00 (2006.01); B33Y 80/00 (2015.01)
CPC B21D 37/04 (2013.01) [B21D 37/14 (2013.01); B23P 19/04 (2013.01); B25B 11/00 (2013.01); B33Y 80/00 (2014.12)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A fixture assembly for holding a workpiece on a work surface, the fixture assembly comprising:
a fixture support frame formed with a first material and configured to seat on and/or mount to the work surface, the fixture support frame including a skeletal substructure and multiple male connectors projecting from the skeletal substructure, the skeletal substructure defined by multiple first frame walls removably intermeshed with multiple second frame walls; and
a fixture support shell formed with a second material distinct from the first material, the fixture support shell including a support surface configured to hold the workpiece, an interface surface abutting the skeletal substructure, and multiple female connectors projecting from the interface surface and each removably receiving therein a respective one of the male connectors to thereby detachably mount the fixture support shell to the fixture support frame.